West Tech Fest to call Fremantle home

The City of Fremantle has secured host city status for West Tech Fest, Australia’s longest running tech and innovation festival, for the next three years: 2026, 2027 and 2028.

West Tech Fest is a celebration of Australia’s startup ecosystem, showcasing innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship. Held each December, it connects local founders and technology entrepreneurs with global thought leaders, attracting delegates from across Western Australia, the nation and around the world.

Fremantle is increasingly recognised as a living lab where new ideas, emerging technologies and early‑stage ventures can be tested in real urban conditions. Home to South Metropolitan TAFE and the University of Notre Dame Australia, the city combines academic capability with a collaborative, open approach. Its scale and willingness to experiment create an ideal environment for innovators to prototype, pilot and refine new solutions.

Long regarded as one of Western Australia’s most creative and forward‑thinking economies, Fremantle is now rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. More than 70 startups already call the city home. Propel Fremantle sits at the heart of this ecosystem, connecting ventures with the networks, expertise and resources needed to accelerate growth. Hosting West Tech Fest will further strengthen this momentum by linking students, researchers, early‑career professionals and startup businesses directly with global innovators, investors and industry leaders.

West Tech Fest is supported by the Western Australian Government’s New Industries and Innovation Fund, which has committed $1.1 million over four years to the festival. This represents the most significant funding commitment in the event’s 15‑year history.

For national and international visitors, Fremantle will come alive with festival activity across streets, venues and public spaces, reinforcing its reputation as a leading destination for innovation, sustainability and future‑focused economic development.

Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said the city’s distinctive character, thriving creative community and strong innovation ecosystem make it an ideal setting for a world‑class event.

“We’re thrilled to welcome West Tech Fest to Fremantle over the next three years. Hosting this high‑profile event aligns strongly with the objectives of our Economic Development Strategy. It allows us to maximise immediate activation benefits while also unlocking long‑term economic and innovation outcomes for our city.”

West Tech Fest 2026 will run from 7 to 11 December. The 2026 program is still to be announced. Find out more here.